Essay Problem
• We have discussed the role that sovereignty plays in structuring the international system, as well as both historical and contemporary events and ideas that have challenged state sovereignty. In your essay, develop an argument, supported with specific pieces of evidence, about whether state sovereignty makes global politics more peaceful or less peaceful. In your response, be sure to discuss both conventional security concerns and human security issues. What might a critic of your position say in response to your argument and how would you respond? Whichever position you take, be sure to address humanitarian intervention and R2P in your response.
• It is an axiom of both realism and liberalism that international relations differ from other kinds of political relations because there is no one supranational authority -no world state that is equivalent to a national government in having a monopoly on legitimate violence and the ability to enforce laws. As a result, the starting point for these theories is international anarchy, populated by sovereign states who struggle to trust each other. Nonetheless, we have discussed a number of ways in which international institutions(laws, norms, NGOs, and IGOs) as well as hierarchical relations between states challenge this image of the international system as purely anarchical. In your essay, develop an argument about the extent to which international anarchy remains a useful starting point for understanding international relations. Be sure to discuss possible counterarguments to your position and to reference specific pieces of evidence.
The purpose of the essay is for you to reflect on and synthesize what you have learned in this class this quarter. For the essay I am looking for you to do the following:
• Have a clear thesis statement that includes both a claim ("In this essay, I will argue ...") and reasons (" ... because X, Y, and Z") that fully answers the question in the prompt. I highly recommend using this structure ("In this essay, I will argue __________ because ______________, _______________") to ensure you have both a claim and reasons.
• Support your thesis statement with accurate and relevant evidencefrom class lectures and readings. Feel free to draw on material from the entire quarter, both readings and lectures, as appropriate.
• Identify and refute potential counterarguments to or criticisms of your thesis. Why might someone reasonably disagree with you? How would you respond to that criticism?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.